White River (Oregon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White River |
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White River Falls
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 Location of the mouth of the White River in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Hood River and Wasco |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mount Hood Mount Hood Wilderness, Cascade Range 6,722 ft (2,049 m) 45°20′47″N 121°41′40″W / 45.34639°N 121.69444°W |
| River mouth | Deschutes River near Maupin 761 ft (232 m) 45°14′01″N 121°04′03″W / 45.23361°N 121.06750°W |
| Length | 50 mi (80 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 409 sq mi (1,060 km2) |
| Type: | Scenic, Recreational |
| Designated: | October 28, 1988 |
The White River is a river in north-central Oregon, United States. It flows for about 50 miles (80 km). The river gets its name because its water can look milky white. This happens when it carries tiny bits of rock from glaciers on Mount Hood. The White River flows through a beautiful mountain area on the east side of the Cascade Range. It eventually joins the Deschutes River.
In the 1840s, a part of the famous Oregon Trail called the Barlow Road passed through the area around the river. This historic section of the road is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Where the White River Flows
The White River begins high up in the Cascade Range. Its source is in eastern Hood River County, within the Mount Hood National Forest. The river starts just below the White River Glacier in a deep canyon. This canyon is located between the Timberline Lodge and Mount Hood Meadows ski areas.
The river flows southeast, passing under Oregon Route 35. It then turns east and northeast, flowing past Tygh Valley. Finally, the White River joins the Deschutes River from the west. This meeting point is about 20 miles (32 km) southeast of The Dalles.
White River Falls
Near Tygh Valley in Wasco County, the river drops over a 90-foot (27 m) cliff. This creates the stunning White River Falls State Park. From 1910 until 1960, these falls were used to make hydroelectricity for nearby areas. This stopped when The Dalles Dam was finished on the Columbia River.
A Wild and Scenic River
In 1988, the United States Congress officially named 46.8 miles (75.3 km) of the White River as "Wild and Scenic." This means the river is protected for its special natural beauty and features. About 24.3 miles (39.1 km) of the river are called "scenic," and 22.5 miles (36.2 km) are called "recreational."
When a river is named "Wild and Scenic," it means it has "outstandingly remarkable values." These are unique or rare features that are important at a regional or national level. For the White River, these values include its geology, water features, plants, animal habitats, history, recreation, and scenery.
Unique Features of the River
The White River has some very special geological features. These include signs of recent volcanic activity, old "ghost forests" (trees killed by volcanic ash), and areas where steam and gas come out of the ground. There are also signs of past glacial activity.
The river's water itself is unique. In late summer and early fall, the water from Mount Hood's glaciers makes the river look milky white. This is because of tiny bits of rock floating in the water. The White River is also somewhat separate from other river systems. This isolation helps unique plant and animal species to develop and thrive here.
Plants and Animals
Because the White River flows through many different environments and is isolated, it has a wide variety of life zones. Many rare and special plant species grow only in this area. The river is also home to a unique type of fish called the Columbia River redband trout.
Fun Activities on the White River
The White River offers many exciting activities for visitors. You can go whitewater kayaking on its rapids. In winter, Nordic skiing is popular. It's also a great place for photography, camping, fishing, hiking, and watching wildlife.
The lower part of the river is considered "intermediate" for whitewater kayaking. The upper river is more challenging, rated "intermediate to advanced." There's even a very difficult section called Celestial Gorge.
Many people who enjoy fly fishing on the lower Deschutes River also pay attention to the White River. On hot summer days, the melting glaciers can make the Deschutes River too cloudy for good fishing.
